Device, system and method for remotely entering, storing and sharing addresses for a positional information device

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems and methods for remotely entering, storing and sharing location addresses for a positional information device, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) device, are provided. The present disclosure allows a user to easily and safely enter an address into a GPS device by giving that address to a remote communications link and to have that link automatically program the user&#39;s GPS device for usage. The device, system and method of the present disclosure further allows the user to use this stored address(es) on multiple GPS devices without having to manually enter the address(es).

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to navigational or positionalinformation systems, and more particularly, to devices, systems andmethods for remotely entering, storing and sharing addresses for apositional information device, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)device.

2. Description of the Related Art

GPS (Global Positioning System) devices are everywhere. These devicesprovide a user with such information as latitude and longitude, accuratetime, heading, velocity, etc. GPS devices are particularly useful inautomobiles and other vehicles. Many individuals have multiple GPSdevices if they own, for instance, two cars that both have the device.Conventionally, most devices will allow a user to store information suchas address points in the internal memory of the device. Some deviceswill allow you to store this information on removable memory, e.g.,memory cards, optical media, etc. In the latter case, this can beparticularly helpful because a list of addresses, for instance, will beuseful to be moved from GPS device (e.g., a first vehicle) to GPS device(e.g., a second vehicle).

Conventionally, a GPS device will inform a user how to get from onepoint to another. Additionally, it provides information on points ofinterest, e.g., hotels, restaurants, historic landmarks, etc. Some GPSunits will also provide information including current speed of travel aswell as average speed of travel.

GPS devices must be programmed by the user to tell the device theaddress that the user wishes to travel to. The GPS device then providesroute guidance information to the user. If the user has alreadyprogrammed the address in (in many devices the address is referred to asa waypoint), many GPS devices will store this address information ininternal or removable memory so that the device will be able to retrievethis information for future usage.

There are several major problems with the current systems of programmingaddresses (e.g., destination information) into a GPS device. The firstproblem is that different devices recognize addresses differentlydepending on the preprogrammed information that has been stored.Additionally, different devices have different user interfaces andprogram differently. If a user knows how to program one device, he maynot necessarily know how to program another unit. By example, if a usertries to program the address 19333 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles, Fla.,many devices will not accept this address. Instead, the user will haveto decide which city the street address lies in. In many cases, this canbe a laborious and timely procedure. In the previous example, some GPSdevices will accept Sunny Isles Beach as the proper address, whileothers will only accept North Miami Beach, while still others willrequire an entry of North Miami, while still others will only recognizeSunny Isles as the correct entry. In some cases, a user can spend 15 to20 minutes attempting to program in a single address. In some cases, theuser is never able to have the unit accept an address, therefore notallowing the use of the GPS device.

A second problem that currently exists is that many users have multiplevehicles that go to the same address and require route guidance by theGPS device. The current systems would require the user to enter therequested address (e.g., destination information) or multiple addressesinto all vehicle units individually. This is an unnecessary waste oftime, and as discussed above, can be a very difficult assignment.

A third problem that currently exists, is that many times a user needsto route to an address or destination while the user is driving. It maybe an address that the user does not even have a correct citydesignation for. The current GPS devices make it extremely difficult orimpossible for a user to program the device for an address whiledriving. In fact, for reasons of safety, some GPS devices discourage orlock out users from address entry while the vehicle is being operated.However, a definite need exists for a user to quickly program the GPSdevice to a desired address.

A current and major trend in automobile technology is automobiletelematics. Many of today's cars feature systems that allow the user tocommunicate with a central processing center in case of emergency.Routine features allow the user to receive help and directions from alive agent or operator, and further allow the processing service centerto unlock car doors, track stolen vehicles, warn a user when an airbaghas deployed and provide information on various subjects, e.g., pointsof interests along travel. Examples of telematics systems include Onstarof Troy, Mich., Mercedes Assist of Montvale, N.J. and Lexus Link ofTroy, Mich.

Despite the various services that the telematics companies provide, oneservice that they do not provide is the automatic programming of avehicle's GPS device. Yet, a clear need exists for a system and methodto allow a user to be able to easily, quickly and safely program theirGPS device(s) with address/destination information.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a device, system and method of remotelyentering, storing, and sharing addresses for Global PositioningSatellite (GPS) devices. Additionally, a system and method ofprogramming GPS units from a link on the Global Computer Network (e.g.,the Internet) is also provided.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for enteringlocation information into a positional information device is provided.The method includes receiving a request for at least one location from auser; determining coordinates of the least one requested location; andtransmitting the determined coordinates to the device. The receivingstep includes receiving an identifier of the device, wherein theidentifier is a mobile phone number or an IP address.

In various different aspects, the request is received by voicecommunication and/or data transfer. Furthermore, the request may bereceived from the device and/or a remote computer.

In another aspect, the determining step includes retrieving thecoordinates from a database residing on a server. In a further aspect,the determining step includes retrieving the coordinates from at leastone second positional information device.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the determiningcoordinates step includes resolving an address of the at least onelocation into latitude and longitude coordinates. The address may bedetermined by information associated to the address, wherein theassociated information is a name of a person residing at the address, across street of the address, a zip code of the address, a phone numberof the address or an alternative spelling of the address.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a positional informationdevice includes a locational information module for determining locationinformation of the device; a communication module for transmitting arequest for at least one location remote of the device and for receivingcoordinates of the at least one location; a processing module configuredto receive the coordinates from the communication module and determineroute guidance based on the location of the device and the receivedcoordinates; and a display module for displaying the route guidance. Thecommunication module is configured to transmit the request by voicecommunications and/or wireless data transfer.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for enteringlocation information into a positional information device is provided.The system includes a server configured to receive a request for atleast one location, determine coordinates of the least one requestedlocation and to transmit the determined coordinates to the device; thepositional information device including a locational information modulefor determining location information of the device; a communicationmodule for receiving coordinates of the at least one location from theserver; a processing module configured to receive the coordinates fromthe communication module and determine route guidance based on thelocation of the device and the received coordinates; and a displaymodule for displaying the route guidance; and a communications networkfor coupling the positional information device to the server.

In one aspect, the communications network is a telematics network.

In a further aspect, the server is operated by a live operator and therequest for the at least one location is received by voicecommunications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is front view of a positional information device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of various modules included in the deviceillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary system for entering, storing andsharing location information in GPS devices in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for entering, storing andsharing location information in GPS devices according to an embodimentof the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for entering, storing andsharing location information in GPS devices according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be describedhereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In thefollowing description, well-known functions or constructions are notdescribed in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure inunnecessary detail.

Devices, systems and methods for remotely entering, storing and sharinglocation addresses for a positional information device, e.g., a globalpositioning system (GPS) device, are provided. The present disclosureallows a user to easily and safely enter an address into a GPS device bygiving that address to a remote communications link and to have thatlink automatically program the user's GPS device for usage. The device,system and method of the present disclosure further allows the user touse this stored address(es) on multiple GPS devices without having tomanually enter the address(es).

Referring to FIG. 1, a global positioning system (GPS) device 100 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.Although the device shown and described in relation to FIG. 1 is ahand-held device, it is to be understood the principles of the presentdisclosure may be applied to any type of navigation or positionalinformation device including but not limited to a vehicle-mounteddevice, a GPS receiver coupled to a desktop computer or laptop, etc.Furthermore, the present disclosure may apply to various types ofvehicles such as an automobile, a boat, a bicycle, etc. It is also to beappreciated that the components described below may not necessarily bedisposed in a single housing but incorporated into another device orstructure, for example, components of the device may be integrated intoa dashboard of an automobile.

The GPS device 100 includes various electrical components, which will bedescribed in detail below, disposed in a generally rectangular housing102. A display module 104 is provided for displaying a location of auser, a map, coordinates, waypoints, frequently accessed addresses,personal information, etc. As will be described in more detail below,the display module 104 may include a touch screen for facilitating userinput of information. Input module 106 includes a plurality of buttons108 for inputting data and navigating through a plurality of menusand/or maps. The GPS device 100 further includes a storage module 110for storing a plurality of maps, frequently used addresses, traveledroutes, etc and a communication module 112 for transmitting stored datato another device, e.g., a personal computer, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a server residing on the Internet, etc. and fortransmitting verbal communications to other devices. The device 100 willinclude a microphone 114 for acquiring audio from the user of the deviceto input data and to communicate to others. A speaker 116 for audiblyproducing communications from others, directions, warnings and/or alarmsto a user is also provided.

Referring to FIG. 2, the various components of the device 100 will nowbe described. The device will contain a computer processing module 120,e.g., a microprocessor. The computer processing module 120 will usecomputer software instructions that have been programmed into the moduleand conventional computer processing power to interact and organize thetraffic flow between the various other modules. It is to be understoodthat the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms ofhardware, software, firmware, special purpose processors, or acombination thereof. A system bus 121 couples the various componentsshown in FIG. 2 and may be any of several types of bus structuresincluding a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and alocal bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The device alsoincludes an operating system and micro instruction code preferablyresiding in read only memory (ROM). The various processes and functionsdescribed herein may either be part of the micro instruction code orpart of an application program (or a combination thereof) which isexecuted via the operating system. Exemplary operating systems includebut are limited to SymbianOS, Windows Mobile/Windows CE, Palm OS, Linux,Blackberry OS, etc. which have been developed for mobile computingapplications and can handle both data computing and communicationapplications.

It is to be further understood that because some of the constituentdevice components and method steps depicted in the accompanying figuresmay be implemented in software, the actual connections between thedevice components (or the process steps) may differ depending upon themanner in which the present disclosure is programmed. Given theteachings of the present disclosure provided herein, one of ordinaryskill in the related art will be able to contemplate these and similarimplementations or configurations of the present disclosure.

A locational information module 122 is provided for determining alocation of the device 100 and/or user. The locational informationmodule 122 may include a receiver and antenna ANT employing conventionallocational information processing technology such as Global PositioningSatellite (GPS) Technology, Loran Technology, or any other availablelocational technology, to indicate the exact location or coordinates,e.g., latitude, longitude and altitude, of the device 100. Exemplary GPSreceivers and antennas are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,654,718 and6,775,612, the contents of both of which are herein incorporated byreference. It is to be appreciated that the latitude, longitude andaltitude may be used to interact with maps stored in memory or in thestorage module 110 of device 100 to determine the city, state or addressof the location the device 100. Furthermore, the locational informationmodule 122 may calculate routes traveled, velocity or speed of a vehicleincluding the device 100, etc., or alternatively, may send the positioncoordinates to the processing module 120 at a predetermined samplingperiod where the processing module will perform the calculations.

Furthermore, the device 100 will include a date and time module 124. Thedate and time module 124 will use standard computer chip processingtechnology widely in use, or alternatively, input from locationalinformation module 122, e.g., a GPS receiver, to supply the date andtime. The date and time may be associated or correlated with routestraveled, a particular location and speeds and may be employed todetermine velocity or speed of the user of the device 100 whether in avehicle, on a bicycle or while walking.

The device 100 will also contain a display module 104 for displaying alocation of a user, a map, coordinates, waypoints, frequently accessedaddresses, etc. This display may be in any current form in the art,including Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), Light emitting diode displays(LED), Cathode Ray Tube Displays (CRT) or any other type of displaycurrently existing or existing in the future. The display module 104will include an audio output device 116, e.g., a speaker, headphonejack, etc., allowing the user to also hear audio output from the device100, e.g., for audibly producing directions to a desired location orpredetermined address. The speaker 116 will also be used in conjunctionwith microphone 114 and communication module 112 to enable voicecommunications as will be described below.

The device 100 of the present disclosure will contain a user inputmodule 126 to either receive user instructions via text input by the wayof buttons 108, a standard keyboard interface coupled to the device, ora character recognition capture device which translates user text inputinto alphanumeric characters. Preferably, the character recognitiondevice is a touch screen which overlays the display module 104 and textis entered via a pen-like stylus. Such input devices are standard andcurrently available on many electronic devices including portabledigital assistants (PDAs) and cellular telephones. Microphone 114 willbe further coupled to the input module 126 for capturing any audioinformation spoken by the user and the input module will further includean analog-to-digital (A/D) converter for converting the spoken audioinformation into a digital format. Furthermore, the input module mayinclude a voice recognition processor that translates the digital humanvoice into alpha numeric characters for user input. The user willutilize the user input module 126 to enter various data, for example, aplurality of destination addresses, waypoints, etc.

The storage module 110 includes internal storage memory, e.g., randomaccess memory (RAM), or removable memory such as magnetic storagememory; optical storage memory, e.g., the various types of CD and DVDmedia; solid-state storage memory, e.g., a CompactFlash card, a MemoryStick, SmartMedia card, MultiMediaCard (MMC), SD (Secure Digital)memory; or any other memory storage that exists currently or will existin the future. The storage module 110 will store various types ofinformation such as the inputted destination addresses, routes traveledby the user, the user's home address, etc. The storage module 110 willfurther store a plurality of geographical maps. In operation, theprocessing module 120 will process information received from overheadsatellites and calculate the geographic location that the device 100 iscurrently at. The processing module 120 then plots that location on agraphic representation of a map stored in the storage module 110, e.g.,internal or external memory. This map is then displayed on the displaymodule 104 of the device 100. The map optionally will include points ofinterest also plotted on the map. By example, hospitals, police offices,gas stations, ATMs, hotels, restaurants, etc. can also be displayed.These point of interest locations are placed on the map in their properlocations by the publisher of the map when the map is published, oralternatively, these locations are stored in an internal addressdatabase and then dynamically placed on the graphical representation mapby the processing module 120 as the map displays on the display module104.

Maps may be provided for different areas via multiple removable memorycards, e.g., a memory card for each state in the United States.Alternatively, different maps may be received wirelessly via thecommunication module 112 and loaded into memory or the storage module110 as needed. The processing module 120 will determine based on theinformation received from the locational information module 122 that amap corresponding to the devices current position is not available andthe processing module 120 will request an appropriate map from a serviceprovider available on a communication network accessed via thecommunication module 112.

The communication module 112 will enable the device 100 to transmit ortransfer information, e.g., current location of a vehicle, speed of avehicle, time and date of the recorded location and/or speed, etc., toother computing devices and to receive information from other computingdevices, e.g., maps, software updates, etc. Furthermore, thecommunication module 112 will enable voice communications between thedevice 100 and other devices, remote operators, etc. The communicationmodule 112 will perform its functionality by hardwired and/or wirelessconnectivity. The hardwire connection may include but is not limited tohard wire cabling, e.g., parallel or serial cables, USB cable, Firewire(1394 connectivity) cables, and the appropriate port. The wirelessconnection will operate under any of the various known wirelessprotocols including but not limited to Bluetooth™ interconnectivity,infrared connectivity, radio transmission connectivity includingcomputer digital signal broadcasting and reception commonly referred toas Wi-Fi or 802.11.X (where x denotes the type of transmission), or anyother type of communication protocols or systems currently existing orto be developed for wirelessly transmitting data. The communicationmodule will compress and encode the encrypted information fortransmission using any known wireless communication technology. It is tobe appreciated that the communication module may include a singleintegrated circuit chip to perform data transfer and voicecommunications or a single module including a separate data transferchip, e.g., a WiFi transceiver, and a separate voice communication chip,e.g., a CDMA chip. Preferably, the communication module will operate onthe wireless GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) data protocol or a 3Gprotocol such as W-CDMA, CDMA2000 and TD-SCDMA. Both the GPRS and 3Gprotocols have the ability to carry both voice and data over the sameservice.

The device 100 will also include an encryption module 128. Theencryption module 128 will use conventional code encryption algorithmscurrently in use or that will be in use in the future such assymmetric-key algorithms, e.g., DES, Triple-DES, Blowfish, RC2, RC4,RC5, etc, and asymmetric-key algorithms, e.g., Diffie-Hellman, RSA,ElGamal, etc. to encrypt the data information that comes into the userinput module 126 and/or that is stored in the storage module 110. In oneembodiment of the present disclosure, the encryption module 128 willalways encrypt the data information, but in other embodiments, the userwill select whether to encrypt the data or to leave the dataunencrypted.

Upon initialization of device 100, processing module 120 prompts theuser via display module 104 or speaker 116 to select a code string thatthe user wishes to use. The user selects an appropriate code string andenters the code string into the device 100 with input module 126 viabuttons 108, microphone 114 or touch screen. The input module 126 sendsthe code string to the processing module which in turn sends this stringto encryption module 128. The encryption module 128 then uses this codestring to encrypt (using standard encryption algorithms identifiedabove) all addresses and route points (or just the addresses and routepoints that the user designates) and store this information in thestorage module 110. When the GPS device 100 is inactive, all informationin the storage module 110 is encrypted. When the GPS device 100 isactive, the information in the storage module 110 is sent to theencryption module 128 which after receiving the user's code stringdecrypts the information, and then sends the information to theprocessing module where it can then be presented to the user on thedisplay module 104.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the GPS device 100 willinclude a hardware interlock 118 to prevent the removal of the storagemodule 110. The interlock 118 may be a detent configured to engaged amemory card being employed, a mechanical door which prevents access tothe storage module 110, or a mechanism which physical rejects thestorage module 110. In this embodiment, the user would submit the codestring to the encryption module 128 via the input module 126 which wouldthen accept the code string and instruct the processing module 120 tounlock the hardware interlock 118 and allow user removal of the storagemodule 110. If the code string is not accepted, the storage module 110will not be able to be removed.

In another embodiment, the device 100 will further include a userverification module (UVM) 130. The user verification module 130 willindicate and verify the identity of the user of the device 100. The userverification module 130 may execute a password protection algorithm ormay include an identity capture device, either incorporated into thedevice 100 or coupled externally via a cable. The identity capturedevice may be a biometric device, such as a retinal scanning device,finger print reader, facial recognition reader or another type of useridentity verification input device which will collect information on theuser to be compared to information that has previously been stored inthe device's memory. One such exemplary fingerprint reader is theBioTouch™ fingerprint reader commercially available from IdentixIncorporated of Minnetonka, Minn. It is to be noted that identitydetection devices such as biometric devices are common and are currentlywidely in use. It is to be further noted, that identity verificationdevices that are not yet in use such as DNA detection, etc, would alsobe compatible with device 100. In one embodiment, the identity of theuser may be required in addition to the entering of a code string todecrypt information on the storage module 110. In a further embodiment,the identity of a particular user may be linked to their code stringand, upon verification of the identity of a user, the linked code stringwill be submitted to the encryption module 128. In another embodiment,the identity of the user may be required to unlock the interlock 118.

A system and method for remotely entering, storing and sharing locationaddress information will be described in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4.Referring to FIG. 3, the GPS device 100 will communicate to a centralserver 304 via a telematics communications network 302, e.g., a networkthat enables data and voice communications. The device 100 will coupleto the communications network 302 via the communication module 112 whichenable data transmission and voice communications. The communicationmodule 112 may connect to the communications network 302 by any knowncommunication means or combination thereof includes WiFi connectivityvia a WiFi tower (e.g., of various types including 802.11a/b/g) or aWiMAX tower 312 in accordance with IEEE 802.16 specifications; infraredconnectivity; satellite communications including orbital satellite 314and satellite dish 316; radio frequency; a mobile terminalcommunications technology, e.g., via a mobile terminal communicationstower 318 employing FDMA, TDMA and CDMA technology, PCS, and 3Gtechnology, etc.

The server 304 may be connected to the communications network 302, e.g.,the Internet, by any known means, for example, a hardwired or wirelessconnection 308, such as dial-up, hardwired, cable, DSL, satellite,cellular, PCS, wireless transmission (e.g., 802.11a/b/g, 802.16, etc.),etc. It is to be appreciated that the network 302 may be a local areanetwork (LAN), wide area network (WAN), global area network (GAN) inaccordance with IEEE 802.20, the Internet or any known network thatcouples a plurality of computing devices to enable various modes ofcommunication via network messages. Furthermore, the server 304 willcommunicate using the various known protocols such as TransmissionControl Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP),. File Transfer Protocol(FTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), etc. and secure protocolssuch as Internet Protocol Security Protocol (IPSec), Point-to-PointTunneling Protocol (PPTP), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Protocol, etc.

It is to be appreciated that the device 100 and server 304 may use anysingle communication method described above or any combination thereofto provide telematics service, i.e., a combination of telecommunicationsand data transfer. For example, the device and server may communicatevia GPRS and/or 3G technology which will allow the transmission of voiceand data over the same service. As another example, the device 100 andserver 304 may communicate using WiMAX (e.g., IEEE 802.16) technologywhere data is transferred using the above-described Internet protocolsand voice communications is conducted using VoIP (Voice over InternetProtocol).

The illustrative example below will describe the principles of thepresent disclosure with a positional information device, e.g., a GPSdevice, used in conjunction with a vehicle.

Initially, in step 402, a user activates the device 100 for telematicsservice in the vehicle. The activation may be initialized by a singledesignated button, e.g., any one of the plurality of buttons 108, adesignation portion on the touch screen, by voice recognition, etc. Theuser is now connected to a predetermined customer service center (CSC)via analog or digital communications or any other type of communicationlink that the telematics service may currently use as described above.The telematics service identifies the vehicle or device to the servicecenter including the communications channel to the vehicle, for example,the cellular phone number to transmit information into the vehicle, orthe Internet address (e.g., IP address) of the vehicle. Thisidentification information can be transmitted to the customer servicecenter from the device or the customer service center can detect theuser identity by conventional techniques such as caller ID and then usethis information to query a database to determine the user.

Once connected to the customer service center, the user can communicatewith the customer service center with voice communications or with avehicle user interface (VUI) including but not limited to keyboard,voice recognition, or mouse or pointer. In one embodiment, the customerservice center includes a live operator 303 that has access to server304 for looking up address information and transmitting the informationto the device. In this embodiment, the user will interact with the liveoperator via voice communications. In another embodiment, the server 304will interact electronically with the device. In this embodiment, theuser may use voice commands and the voice and/or speech recognitionalgorithm in the device will convert the user's speech into digital datawhich the device will transmit to the server 304. Alternatively, theuser may interact with the server 304 via the vehicle user interfaceincluding the display module 104 and input module 106.

In step 404, the telematics service then transmits a user request viadigital or analog communications to the remote customer service center(CSC). The user will use the VUI or voice to tell the customer servicecenter the address of the location that they need route guidance to. Inthe case of a live operator 303, the live operator 303 will input thisinformation into the server 304, or alternatively, if the customer hasused a VUI that transmits this information directly to the customerservice center, then this information is already in the server 304.

The customer service center server 304 then resolves the address, oralternatively, transmits the address to another server on the globalcomputer network (e.g., the Internet) and using standard computerprocessing power and computer address programs including but not limitedto teraserver.microsoft.com, geocoder.us, yahoo.com, and maporama.comresolves the address into exact longitude and latitude coordinates (step406).

Once the requested location information has been resolved, the server304 will transmit this longitude and latitude information to thedesignated customer GPS device's internal or external memory, e.g.,storage module 110 (step 408). This transmission will be by any standardcommunications protocol now known or existing in the future as describedabove. The designated GPS device receives this longitude and latitudeinformation and stores the information in internal or external memoryvia the communication module 112 and processing module 120. When theuser requests route guidance from the device 100, and using standard GPScomputer processing power and systems, the device 100 provides routeguidance to the customer via the display module 104 (step 410). In thismanner, a user will be able to enter and/or program a positionalinformation device with little or no effort.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a user may program thedevice 100 by using their local computer 306, which is coupled to thecommunications network 302, e.g., the Internet. The user may connect toserver 304 via a client application program, e.g., a conventional webbrowser such as Microsoft™ Internet Explorer, and enter a location intothe client application which the user would like to receive routeguidance for subsequently at their respective device 100. Alternatively,the user may be browsing web sites residing on servers on the Internetand finds a location of interest that they are interested in receivingroute guidance to. The user indicates to the remote server 304 via theclient application that he wants the specified address information ofthe location of interest provided to the device 100. In one embodiment,a tool bar may be implemented with the client application, so while auser is browsing web sites, the user will enter the location of interestinto the tool bar to be transmitted to the server 304 for coordinatedetermination. In another embodiment, a software plug-in may be providedto run with the client application, e.g., the web browser, wherein whilethe user is browsing web sites, a user will highlight, e.g., with apointing device, an address displayed and by simply clicking on aportion of the displayed screen will transmit the location of interestto the server 304.

When utilizing the client application program, the user may beidentified at the server by an identifier, e.g., an Internet cookie,previously placed on the user's local computer 310. When transmittingthe location of interest, the local computer 306 may also transmit thecookie information so the user may be identified at the server withouthaving to provide this information by manual input or spoken word. Theremote server then utilizes a standard database lookup program, based onthe received identifier, to find out information on the user's deviceincluding the transmission information for the device which may be thecellular telephone number of the device or a vehicle or the Internetaddress (e.g., the IP address) of the device or vehicle.

The server 304 then resolves the address into longitude or latitudecoordinates using standard computer processing power and computerprograms on the global computer network including but not limited toteraserver.microsoft.com, geocoder.us, yahoo.com, and maporama.com. Theserver 304 then transmits the longitude and latitude information to thedesignated customer GPS device's internal or external memory. Thistransmission. will be by any standard communications protocol now knownor existing in the future as described above. The designated GPS devicereceives this longitude and latitude information, via communicationmodule 112, and stores it in internal or external memory. The customerthen requests route guidance from the GPS device, and using standard GPScomputer processing power and systems, the positional information deviceprovides route guidance to the user.

It is to be appreciated that the user may transmit multiple addresses tothe server 304, and the server will use computer processing power andsoftware programs to resolve the multiple addresses into multiplelatitude and longitude coordinates. The user may also transmit the timeand date that each address will be utilized. This information will alsobe transmitted to the subject GPS device. The GPS device will thendisplay the address at the specified date and time and route guidancefor that address will be given. When the date and time changes, the GPSdevice will then display the next specified and stored address on thedate and time that corresponds to that address.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is providedfor accessing address stored at a remote location, another GPS device,etc. Referring to FIG. 5, a user activates the device for telematicsservice in the vehicle (step 502). Alternatively, the user may make therequest for service from a site on the global computer network (e.g.,the Internet). In the case of telematics, the service then transmits auser request via digital or analog communications to the remote customerservice center server 304 (step 504). Telematics identifies the deviceor vehicle to the customer service center including the communicationschannel to the vehicle, for instance the cellular phone number totransmit information into the device or vehicle, or the Internet address(e.g., IP address) of the vehicle. In the case of an Internet request,the user will use their local computer 310 coupled to communicationsnetwork 302 to transmit the request to the server 304 located at thecustomer service center. The user's device or vehicle is now connectedto customer service center via analog or digital communications and cancommunicate with the customer service center with voice communicationsor with a vehicle user interface (VUI) including but not limited tokeyboard, or mouse or pointer.

The user will now use the VUI or voice to tell the customer servicecenter that they need address information from another device or vehiclethat has been registered with the customer service center or that willbe registered with the customer service center. If the other device hasbeen registered, the user will provide a password, using voicecommunications or the VUI, to allow the customer service center tounlock information stored in a standard database lookup program, suchinformation relating to the communications channel (e.g., IP address orcellular phone number) of the registered device (step 506). If the otherdevice has not been registered, then customer will provide with voicecommunications or by using the VUI the communications channel to thedevice, e.g., the cellular phone number or the Internet address (e.g.,IP address) of the device. The user would then also provide a passwordso either the server or live operator can be granted access to the otherdevice.

The server 304 or operator 303 of the customer service center will thenuse the communications channel of the designated device or vehicle tocontact the device and retrieve the stored address information from theinternal or external memory of the GPS device (step 508). The designateddevice will then use standard communications protocols now known orexisting in the future to transmit the stored address information on theexternal or internal memory back to the server 304 or operator 303 ofthe customer service center. The server 304 or operator 303 of thecustomer service center will then transmit this address information tothe user's current device or vehicle from where the user originated therequest (step 510). The user may then request route guidance from thedesignated GPS device, and using standard GPS computer processing powerand systems, the device provides route guidance to the user (step 512).

The server 304 may also store and retain the address information in itsdatabase 306 to provide this information on request to the user at anyfuture point in time. For example, in the above described method, theserver 304 may perform the retrieving step (step 508) by simplyretrieving a previously stored address from the database 306. In afurther embodiment, the server 304 may periodically poll each deviceregistered to a user to retrieve any entered address and store suchaddresses in the database. In this embodiment, any address entered inany device belonging to the registered user will be accessible to theuser at any other registered device of the user.

The present disclosure will enable at least the following applicationsof the devices, systems and methods disclosed herein.

A driver is driving along in a vehicle and wishes not to stop but needsdirection to a destination. The driver pushes a button on an embodimentof the device described above and is connected to a service operator.Alternatively, the user may activate the device by voice command. Theuser indicates the address of the location that he is interested in butis not sure of the city for the address. The service operator quicklylocates the city of the address by using conventional address lookupdatabase software. The service operator then inputs this address intothe computer server that he/she is using. The operator then has theserver contact the GPS device in the owner's vehicle and transmits thelatitude and longitude coordinates of the address to the vehicle's GPSdevice. The driver is then able to utilize his/her GPS unit to get routeguidance to the specified address. All of the above has occurred withoutthe driver ever having to take his/her hand off the steering wheel ofthe vehicle.

A driver of a vehicle needs assistance in locating a point of interestsuch as a museum in a designated city. The driver presses the telematicsbutton in the vehicle (or issues a voice command) and is connected to aservice operator. The operator identifies the vehicle and then theoperator asks the driver for information on what museum they are lookingfor. Once the service operator locates the museum for the driver, theoperator then submits the address of this museum to the server and thecomputer server resolves the address into latitude and longitudecoordinates for the specified address. The service operator thentransmits this information from the server to the memory of the driver'sGPS device. The driver is then able to obtain route guidance to his/herspecified location.

A driver of a vehicle needs route guidance to a specific location. Whenthe driver enters the address information into the vehicle's GPS device,the device indicates to the driver that this address does not exist. Thedriver tries different permeations of the address including differentcities, different street numbers, and different spellings of the street.Unfortunately, nothing works for the driver. The driver presses thetelematics button in the vehicle (or issues a voice command) and isconnected to a service operator. The operator identifies the vehicle andthen the operator asks the driver for the information on what address heis looking for. The service operator then places this information intothe computer server. Using various information on the address includingbut not limited to the name of a person residing at the address, thecross street that the address is at, the zip code of the address, thephone number of the address, alternative spellings of the address, andother information on the address, the operator is able to use thisinformation, and various computer lookup databases including phonenumber reverse search databases, zip code lookup databases, aeriallocation programs such as Google Earth, address databases, businessyellow page databases, mapping software databases and other databases toresolve what is the correct address of the desired location. Once theservice operator locates the correct address, the operator then submitsthe address to the server and the server. resolves the address intolatitude and longitude coordinates for the specified address. Theservice operator then transmits this information from the server to thememory of the driver's GPS device. The driver is then able to obtainroute guidance to the specified location.

A driver wishes to be provided route information for a trip that theyare taking. The driver goes online via a local computer to the Internetor presses the telematics button in the vehicle (or issues a voicecommand). In either case, the driver selects the itinerary for the tripincluding restaurants, hotels, other points of interest, and then thedriver reviews and approves the trip itinerary. Once the itinerary hasbeen approved, the user's computer transmits the latitude and. longitudecoordinates of each planned stop to the memory of the user's GPS devicealong with the suggested time and/or date for each stop. Alternatively,the telematics service resolves and transmits the latitude and longitudeof each planned stop to the memory of the user's GPS device. The user isnow able to start on the trip, and to receive complete route guidanceinformation as it is needed and when it is needed.

A driver books a hotel reservation or a concert event online. Once thereservation has been made, the driver asks the online service to providehim with directions to the location. The driver indicates thecommunications link to the GPS device (either a direct link or through atelematics service). The reservation service computer then transmits thelatitude and longitude coordinates and date of the location to therequested vehicle's GPS device. The GPS device then stores thisinformation in memory. At the date and time that the user has stored,the GPS device will then provide the user with route guidance to thedesignated location.

A driver of a vehicle needs route guidance information to an addressthat is stored in his/her other vehicle. The driver has no access tothis vehicle because it is not geographically close. The driver pressesthe telematics button in this vehicle (or issues a voice command) and isconnected to a service operator. The operator identifies the vehicle andwith a password provided by the user establishes that the caller hassecurity clearance to the requested information. The operator then looksup the list of subject addresses that the driver has stored for theirvehicles, or in the event that the driver has stored the needed addressin another vehicle's GPS memory, the operator communicates with theother vehicle's GPS system and reads the list of addresses that arestored in memory. In either event, the service operator then transmitsthe needed address or addresses from the server they are operating intothe memory of the GPS device in the subject vehicle. The driver is thenable to obtain route guidance to the specified location.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure asdefined by the appended claims.

1. A method for entering location information into a positionalinformation device, the method comprising: receiving a request for atleast one location from a user; determining coordinates of the least onerequested location; and transmitting the determined coordinates to thedevice.
 2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the receiving step includesreceiving an identifier of the device.
 3. The method as in claim 2,wherein the identifier is a mobile phone number or an IP address.
 4. Themethod as in claim 1, wherein the request is received by voicecommunication or data transfer.
 5. The method as in claim 1, wherein thecoordinates of the requested at least one location are latitude andlongitude of the at least one requested location.
 6. The method as inclaim 1, wherein the request is received from the device.
 7. The methodas in claim 1, wherein the request is received from a remote computer.8. The method as in claim 7, furthering comprising receiving a firstidentifier from the remote computer.
 9. The method as in claim 8,wherein the first identifier is an Internet cookie.
 10. The method as inclaim 7, furthering comprising determining a second identifier for thepositional information device based on the received first identifier ofthe remote computer.
 11. The method as in claim 10, wherein the secondidentifier of the positional information device is a mobile phone numberor an IP address.
 12. The method as in claim 1, further comprisingreceiving a time and date associated with the requested at least onelocation; transmitting the associated time and date with the determinedcoordinates; and displaying the determined coordinates at the associatedtime and date.
 13. The method as in claim 1, wherein the determiningstep includes retrieving the coordinates from a database residing on aserver.
 14. The method as in claim 1, wherein the determining stepincludes retrieving the coordinates from at least one second positionalinformation device.
 15. The method as in claim 1, wherein thedetermining coordinates step includes resolving an address of the atleast one location into latitude and longitude coordinates.
 16. Themethod as in claim 15, wherein the address is determined by informationassociated to the address.
 17. The method as in claim 16, wherein theassociated information is a name of a person residing at the address, across street of the address, a zip code of the address, a phone numberof the address or an alternative spelling of the address.
 18. Apositional information device comprising: a locational informationmodule for determining location information of the device; acommunication module for transmitting a request for at least onelocation remote of the device and for receiving coordinates of the atleast one location; a processing module configured to receive thecoordinates from the communication module and determine route guidancebased on the location of the device and the received coordinates; and adisplay module for displaying the route guidance.
 19. The device as inclaim 18, further comprising a storage module for storing the receivedcoordinates.
 20. The device as in claim 18, wherein the communicationmodule is configured to transmit an identifier of the device with therequest.
 21. The device as in claim 20, wherein the identifier is amobile phone number or an IP address.
 22. The device as in claim 18,wherein the communication module is configured to transmit the requestby voice communications.
 23. The device as in claim 18, wherein thecommunication module is configured to transmit the request by wirelessdata transfer.
 24. The device as in claim 18, wherein the communicationmodule is configured to transmit a time and date associated with therequested at least one location and to receive the associated time anddate with the coordinates and wherein the processing module isconfigured to display on the display module the coordinates at theassociated time and date.
 25. A system for entering location informationinto a positional information device, the system comprising: a serverconfigured to receive a request for at least one location, determinecoordinates of the least one requested location and to transmit thedetermined coordinates to the device; the positional information deviceincluding a locational information module for determining locationinformation of the device; a communication module for receivingcoordinates of the at least one location from the server; a processingmodule configured to receive the coordinates from the communicationmodule and determine route guidance based on the location of the deviceand the received coordinates; and a display module for displaying theroute guidance; and a communications network for coupling the positionalinformation device to the server.
 26. The system as in claim 25, whereinthe device transmits an identifier with the request to the server. 27.The system as in claim 26, wherein the identifier is a mobile phonenumber or an IP address.
 28. The system as in claim 25, wherein thecommunications network is a telematics network.
 29. The system as inclaim 25, wherein the request is received from the device.
 30. Thesystem as in claim 25, wherein the request is received from a remotecomputer.
 31. The system as in claim 30, wherein the remote computertransmits a first identifier with the request to the server.
 32. Thesystem as in claim 31, wherein the first identifier is an Internetcookie.
 33. The system as in claim 30, wherein the server is configuredto determine a second identifier for the device based on the receivedfirst identifier of the remote computer.
 34. The system as in claim 33,wherein the second identifier of the device is a mobile phone number oran IP address.
 35. The system as in claim 25, wherein the serverreceives a time and date associated with the requested at least onelocation and transmits the associated time and date with the determinedcoordinates to the device and the device displays the determinedcoordinates at the associated time and date.
 36. The system as in claim25, wherein the server retrieves the coordinates from a databaseresiding on the server.
 37. The system as in claim 25, wherein theserver retrieves the coordinates from at least one second positionalinformation device.
 38. The system as in claim 25, wherein the serverresolves an address of the at least one location into latitude andlongitude coordinates.
 39. The system as in claim 38, wherein theaddress is determined by information associated to the address.
 40. Thesystem as in claim 39, wherein the associated information is a name of aperson residing at the address, a cross street of the address, a zipcode of the address, a phone number of the address or an alternativespelling of the address.
 41. The system as in claim 25, wherein theserver is operated by a live operator and the request for the at leastone location is received by voice communications.